Life, 1905-01-26 · page 3 of 22
Life — January 26, 1905 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces about marriage: **"Meredith vs. Habit"** (left): A poem by Wallace Irwin contrasting romantic love with practical domestic realities. The wife advises her new husband to select a wife for cooking ability rather than appearance, warns of separation risks, and concerns about neglect. The accompanying sketch of an eye labeled "IN THE PUBLIC EYE" appears to reference public scrutiny of marriages. **"A Rare Chance"** (right): A photograph with accompanying dialogue shows a young couple. The husband mentions being away for two days—his first chance to get a letter from his wife since their marriage. The joke satirizes how quickly marital communication and emotional connection deteriorate after the wedding. Both pieces mock the transition from romantic courtship to mundane married life, a recurring theme in early 20th-century American satire about marriage's disillusionment.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Meredith vs. Habit. HEY'D lived te In tranquil married state, A Prop: An Without pretense They lo: Fo ars to; was the weather, ho, they must separate Ly { worrying ed the silent he the: To find another spouse. She said as if by ro! * Your handkerchiefs you won't forget “re in your overcoat “Tee pack se carefully With heavy 1 your suit-c enw Your socks are mended praye Your gloves are also there * Don't choose her tov good-looking, John, Or +The thing ev mostly sad about fear That you will wed a gadabout, Who'll quite 6 lect you, dear down jewalk bang! * Unlock the house, my te And Meredith be hanged ! cat front door, ge to tyrannize happy summers more lace Irwin. IN THE PUBLIC EYE. Young Husband TSHALL BE AWAY RATHER GLAD I's GOING. Young Wife SINCE WE'VE MRE MAREE MOW CAN 1 HELP IT, JACK? A RARE CHANCE. TWO WHOLE DAYS, AND, REALLY, ISABELLE 0 CRT A LETTER 95 comicbooks.com